Devon County Council does not treat weeds for aesthetic reasons, such as being unsightly. However, weeds may be treated during highway maintenance work to prevent damage to the structure or surface of roads and paths. Examples include, but are not limited to, some drainage systems, on high-priority roads, and before constructing new footpaths.
Noxious Weeds
Devon County Council does not routinely carry out treatment of noxious weeds. However, we will assess any reports that claim that noxious weeds on DCC land have caused growth or have spread onto private land.
Recording Knotweed in Devon
Japanese knotweed occurs in most parts of the County. It is mainly found in gardens, on road verges, river banks, railway embankments and waste ground.
Without surveying and recording the distribution of Japanese Knotweed there is no way of knowing where it occurs, whether it is increasing and the typical habitats it colonises.
Knowing the full extent of the problem of Japanese Knotweed colonisation in the county will help identify priorities for control and management. It is therefore important to report any sightings of the plant in the county to the Devon Biodiversity Records Centre. For more information on Japanese Knotweed please visit the Natural Devon website.